Gozo Channel reported a significant rise in passenger traffic, with 139,542 individuals traveling to Gozo during the Santa Marija feast week and the extended weekend. This figure represents an increase of approximately 3,800 passengers compared to the previous year, highlighting the popularity of the annual religious and cultural celebration. The data, published in Tuesday’s edition of L-Orizzont, reflects travel activity from August 10 to August 17, a period encompassing the feast of Our Lady Star of the Sea, a key event marked by vibrant decorations and festivities in Sliema. The Gozo Channel, which operates ferry services between Malta and Gozo, managed an average of 19,934 passengers per day during this period, utilizing its fleet of six vessels to accommodate the surge. The regional government noted that the increased traffic included both residents and tourists, contributing to a 5% rise in ferry bookings compared to 2024. Authorities deployed additional staff and adjusted schedules to handle the demand, with 12 daily crossings reported on peak days. The successful management of the passenger influx supported local businesses, with hotels and restaurants in Gozo reporting a 10% increase in revenue. The data underscores the ongoing importance of the ferry service, which transported over 1.2 million passengers in the first half of 2025, as a vital link between the islands.
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